For many, stepping into high-tech crafting can feel intimidating. But for Vina Gavillano, the creator behind TikTok’s @gavz.craft, crafting isn't about perfection—it’s about honoring a lifelong creative spark and giving yourself permission to try.
We caught up with Vina to talk about her inspiring journey from a childhood dreamer to a multi-medium crafter exploring laser cutting, 3D printing, and beyond.
A Passion Rooted in Childhood
While Vina’s journey with crafting equipment began last year (2025), her love for creating dates back as far as she can remember. As a child, she spent hours crocheting and making nylon bracelets, dreaming of a room full of art supplies.
Her transition to machines started when a friend introduced her to laser engraving, tapping into her love for personalized gifts. Attending the Makers Meet at Sheraton solidified her path. “If buying my first machine opened the door, attending the Makers Meet made me want to walk even further through it,” Vina shares. “Crafting today feels like giving my younger self the chance to create all the things she always wanted to make.”
Overcoming the Learning Curve
Driven by the motto “If not now, when?”, Vina loves stepping out of her comfort zone. Her setup includes the versatile xTool M1 Ultra and the Creality SparkX i7 3D printer.
Though 3D printing initially intimidated her, Vina attended workshops by The Happy Station and pushed past her fears. The ultimate breakthrough came when she designed and printed her official “Gav'z Craft” logo. “Seeing my own brand physically come to life gave me that ‘Oh, kaya ko pala!’ moment,” she recalls. “You don’t realize what you’re capable of until you give yourself the chance to try.”
Instead of using her machines separately, Vina now crafts with a hybrid approach—combining 3D printing, laser engraving, foil heat transfers, and vinyl accents into unique, personalized pieces.
Balancing Career, Creativity, and Growth
Juggling an 8-to-5 job alongside her maker routine takes discipline, but crafting serves as Vina's ultimate way to unwind. The workday tiredness fades the moment a digital idea becomes a physical reality in her hands.
Rooted in the concept of a growth mindset, Vina views every mistake as a valuable lesson. For fellow crafters, she emphasizes five pillars for growth: motivation, patience, a supportive community, budget management, and faith.
Looking Ahead
With the holiday season underway, Vina is busy prepping early gifts, custom foiled notebooks, and resin-finished 3D clickers. She also dreams of opening a dedicated studio where friends can gather and experiment with her machines together.
Her message for aspiring crafters? “There’s nothing wrong with being a beginner. What matters is pairing curiosity with the belief that you can learn, improve, and figure it out.”
Follow Vina’s creative experiments on TikTok at @gavz.craft!